Background

Chronic political and institutional instability has marked Guinea-Bissau in the last decades. The social situation remains precarious, with one of the lowest scores on the human development index in Africa (178th out of 188 in 2016, with a human development indicator of 0.424).

Political instability and weak capacity of the public institutions has impeded the country to create conditions to implement public policies to foster development and improve the livelihoods of its population. Consequently, the State has not been able to provide the basic services such as health, education, basic sanitation and security throughout the national territory, particularly in the remote regions of the capital, where the presence of public administration is extremely weak.  Although some progress was recorded in relation to child mortality and school enrollment, the country did not achieve most of the MDGs.

The persistent political instability has led to institutional instability and great volatility of public service agents, at all levels, given that whenever there is change in government, it is followed by a complete reshuffle of ministries personnel, often associated with political affiliation. The deficit of technical capacity of the Government of Guinea-Bissau has been pointed out on several occasions, both in the identification of national priorities and in the context of capacity assessments of public institutions.

In Guinea-Bissau, failure to implement decentralization as foreseen by the Constitution, antiquated management systems, nepotism in the selection of senior civil servants, and dwindling resources, have rendered the public service ineffective. This leaves the State unable to provide high-quality services to citizens, especially at regional and sector levels, where the presence of the state is very week.

The UNDP program in Guinea Bissau aims to create the conditions for decentralization in the country building on lessons learned from other experiences, through the implementation of a Local Economic Development program. The main objective of this program is to capacitate local, regional and national state authorities, with a focus on Gabu, Quinara and Cacheu Regions, in participatory and inclusive local development planning processes, in technical, institutional and financial management to enhance quality service delivery, and support local economic development promotion. The proposed approach on Local development in Guinea Bissau seeks to improve food and income security of targeted populations, especially youth and women affected by poverty and exclusion.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the CTA, the consultant will be responsible for:

Specific Deliverables and Activities:

The consultant will propose a participatory methodology and approach to the evaluation, which will be further discussed with UNDP so that a feasible methodology is adopted. This participatory approach will enable all the parties involved in the LED project implementation to collaborate and give a significant contribution to facilitate the evaluation process. This includes the UNDP senior management, LED team, institutions at central and regional level, beneficiaries and the local communities, which will allow exchange of experiences during the implementation of the project. Nevertheless, as basic methodology, the consultant is expected to conduct individual and collective interviews with key stakeholders.

The consultant will also review key documents, including project reports, assessments/diagnosis of the sector conducted prior to and during the project implementation period, reports produced by other stakeholders intervening in the sector, studies and other knowledge products generated by the project and other relevant and available documents that may help to answer the key questions of the evaluation and meet its objectives.

The evaluation will employ a combination of both qualitative and quantitative evaluation methods and instruments. The consultant will use a methodological approach that may include:

Document   review of       all  relevant  documentation. This would   include   a  review  of  inter  alia

• Project document
• Theory of change and results framework.
• Program and project quality assurance reports.
• Annual workplans.
• Activity designs.
• Consolidated quarterly and annual reports.
• Results-oriented monitoring report.
• Highlights of project board meetings.
• Technical/financial monitoring reports.

Semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders including key government counterparts, donor community members, representatives of key civil society organizations, UNCT members and implementing  partners:

• Development of evaluation questions around relevance, effectiveness, efficiency and sustainability and designed for different stakeholders to be interviewed.
• Key informant and focus group discussions with men and women, beneficiaries and stakeholders.
• All interviews should be undertaken in full confidence and anonymity. The final evaluation report should not assign specific comments to individuals.

Surveys and questionnaires including participants in development programs, UNCT members and/or surveys and questionnaires involving other stakeholders at strategic and programmatic levels.

Field visits and on-site validation of key tangible outputs and interventions.

The evaluator is expected to follow a participatory and consultative approach that ensures close engagement with the evaluation managers, implementing partners and direct beneficiaries.

Other  methods  such  as  outcome  mapping, observational  visits,  group discussions, etc.

Data review and analysis of monitoring and other data sources and methods.

• Ensure maximum validity, reliability of data (quality) and ensure triangulation of the various data sources.

The final methodological approach including interview schedule, field visits and data to be used in the evaluation should be clearly outlined in the inception report and be fully discussed and agreed between UNDP, stakeholders and the evaluators.

The evaluation will be guided by the following questions:

Relevance:

• The extent to which UNDP’s support to the government in capacity development for local governance and local economic development is consistent with and respond to emerging national and local policies, priorities and needs of the intended beneficiaries?
• The extent to which project responds to the new UNDAF and CPD  for Guinea-Bissau and the SDG?
• To what extent does the project contribute to the theory of change for the relevant country programoutcome?
• To what extent does the project contribute to gender equality, the empowerment of women and the human rights-based approach?
• To what extent has the project been appropriately responsive to political, legal, economic, institutional, etc., changes in the country?

Effectiveness:

• To what extent did the project contribute to the country program outcomes and outputs, the SDGs, the UNDP Strategic Plan and national development priorities?
• To what extent were the project outputs achieved?
• What observed changes in the capacity to implement a local participatory planning methodology can be attributed to UNDP’s activities and outputs?
• What factors have contributed to achieving or not achieving intended country program outputs and outcomes?
• To what extent has the UNDP partnership strategy been appropriate and effective?
• What factors contributed to effectiveness or ineffectiveness?
• In which areas does the project have the greatest achievements? Why and what have been the supporting factors? How can the project build on or expand these achievements?
• In which areas does the project have the fewest achievements? What have been the constraining factors and why? How can or could they be overcome?
• What, if any, alternative strategies would have been more effective in achieving the project’s objectives?
• Are the projects objectives and outputs clear, practical and feasible within its frame?
• To what extent have stakeholders been involved in project implementation?
• To what extent are project management and implementation participatory and is this participation contributing towards achievement of the project objectives?

Efficiency:

• To what extent was the project management structure as outlined in the project document efficient in generating the expected results?
• To what extent have the UNDP project implementation strategy and execution been efficient and cost-effective?
• To what extent has there been an economical use of financial and human resources? Have resources (funds, human resources, time, expertise, etc.) been allocated strategically to achieve outcomes?
• Have resources (funds, expertise, time, staffing) available to the program been utilized in the most appropriate and economic way possible towards the achievement of results?
• To what extent have project funds and activities been delivered in a timely manner?
• To what extent do the M&E systems utilized by UNDP ensure effective and efficient project management?

Sustainability:

• To what extent will the benefits of UNDP’s work in this area continue?
• Is the level of national ownership and the measures that serve to enhance national capacity enough to guarantee the sustainability of results?
• Is there a commitment and interest of national partners and potential donors for a continue support of UNDP in this area of work?
• Are there any financial risks that may jeopardize the sustainability of project outputs?
• To what extent will financial and economic resources be available to sustain the benefits achieved by the project?
• Are there any social or political risks that may jeopardize sustainability of project outputs and the project’s contributions to country program outputs and outcomes?
• Do the legal frameworks, policies and governance structures and processes within which the project operates pose risks that may jeopardize sustainability of project benefits?
• What is the risk that the level of stakeholders’ ownership will be enough to allow for the project benefits to be sustained?
• To what extent do mechanisms, procedures and policies exist to allow primary stakeholders to carry forward the results attained on gender equality, empowerment of women, human rights and human development?
• To what extent are lessons learned being documented by the project team on a continual basis and shared with appropriate parties who could learn from the project?
• What could be done to strengthen exit strategies and sustainability?

Impact:

• What benefits to beneficiaries can be directly attributed to this project?
• What are the direct or indirect, intended or unintended changes that can be attributed to this UNDP’s assistance on human development and people’s well-being?
• To what degree this project advocated for equality and inclusive development, and contributed to addressing the needs of disadvantaged groups and vulnerable populations into the local planning in Guinea-Bissau?

Feasibility:

• Is the local governance and local development approach feasible in a fragile state context such as Guinea-Bissau?
• Is there an exit strategy for the project and how feasible is it?

Expected Deliverables:

The consultant will be expected to generate the following deliverables:

Evaluation Inception Report: (10-15 pages) Prior to embarking on the date collection exercise, the consultant will be required to prepare an inception report which details the understanding of what is being evaluated and why, and how he/she proposes to answer the evaluation questions. The inception report should be carried out following and based on preliminary discussions with UNDP after the desk review and should be produced before the evaluation starts (before any formal evaluation interviews, survey distribution or field visits) and prior to the country visit in the case of international evaluators.  The inception report will provide a more detailed methodological approach, identification of data availability, sources and collection method as well as the evaluation plan that includes the schedule of activities to be performed and the respective results.

Draft Evaluation Report: The consultant will be required to submit a draft evaluation report for review to UNDP to ensure that it meets the required quality criteria. The program unit and key stakeholders in the evaluation should review the draft evaluation report and provide an amalgamated set of comments to the evaluator within an agreed period, addressing the content required (as agreed in the TOR and inception report) and quality criteria as outlined in these guidelines.

Evaluation report audit trail. Comments and changes by the evaluator in response to the draft report should be retained by the evaluator to show how they have addressed comments.

Final Evaluation Report: The final evaluation report will include all comments/inputs provided to the draft report to ensure that all concerns that may had been raised are addressed. A report template structure of the evaluation report to meet the minimum standard requirements will be provided and the report should have a maximum of 60 pages, including an executive summary

Evaluation Brief: The consultant will be required to present the initial findings and recommendations of the report to UNDP, government counterparts, donors, and other sector development partners, as appropriate.

In order to accomplish these deliverables, the consultant is expected to perform the following activities:

Review documents and consult with UNDP senior management and LED project team members to better understand the project, including its design process, implementation aspects and expected results;

Review the project results and resources framework, progress and financial reports, monitoring reports and contribution agreements signed with partners;

Prepare and conduct interviews with key stakeholders and project beneficiaries;

Conduct a comprehensive analysis of the LED project activities and results reported vis a vis evidence data collected in the field in order to assess its relevance, efficiency, efficacy, sustainability and impact;

Conduct a project SWOT (strengths-weaknesses-opportunities-threat) analysis based on findings from the documents review and collected information;

 Assess partners views on UNDP Guinea Bissau current and future role in supporting the local economic development and capacity development for participatory local planning processes, including views on where UNDP has comparative advantages;

 Asses the project approach to communication and knowledge management and make suggestions on how to strengthen these aspects;

Organize a session to present the final evaluation report to key stakeholders, including donors, the government and civil society organizations.

Expected Outputs:

During 28 working days period, the consultant is expected to deliver the following Outputs:

A reviewed methodology, work plan and data/information collection tool agreed with the evaluation focal point and the LED team in UNDP- 26 October 2019

Partners, stakeholders and beneficiaries’ views on project implementation aspects and assessment of its results are collected and documented- 08 November 2019

An analysis of project Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats is conducted- 15 October 2019

A comprehensive project assessment, including challenges and constraints encountered in its implementation, opportunities for future programming, lessons learned, as well as recommendations for future UNDP interventions in this sector is available. 28 October 2019

Reporting:

• The consultant will report to the LED team on a weekly basis as work against deliverables progress. He/she will be accountable to UNDP on the timeliness and quality of the deliverables;
• The consultant will be required to conduct interviews with UNDP staff, government counterparts, implementing partners, donor representatives, public service actors, and other parties relevant to this evaluation, as identified by UNDP;
• The consultant is expected to work closely and collaboratively with UNDP staff and the Ministries staff for the duration of this assignment;
• UNDP will secure government (and other counterpart) cooperation for this assignment, including visas and travel authorization;
• UNDP will assist in the facilitation of introduction letters and/or requests for meetings upon request with stakeholders and beneficiaries;
• The consultant will be entitled to apply for reimbursement of costs associated with necessary work-related in-country travel in accordance with UNDP’s travel policy;
• The consultant is responsible for providing his/her own computer and mobile phones for use during this assignment.

UNDP will also provide the following support as appropriate:

• Substantive inputs to and quality control of deliverables;
•  Administrative and logistical support with travel and transport arrangements, visas, and processes necessary for successful completion of the assignment;
• UNDP will arrange the consultants’ in-country work related travel;
• UNDP will provide office/work space to the consultants while in Guinea-Bissau.

Competencies

Functional:

• Strong analytical, negotiation and communication skills, including ability to produce high quality practical advisory reports and knowledge products;
• Professional and/or academic experience in one or more of the areas of the Development or knowledge management field.

Project and Resource Management:

• Ability to produce high quality outputs in a timely manner while understanding and anticipating the evolving client needs;
• Ability to focus on impact and results for the client, promoting and demonstrating an ethic of client service;
• Ability to work independently, produce high quality outputs.

Communications and Advocacy:

• Strong ability to write clearly and convincingly, adapting style and content to different audiences and speak clearly and convincingly;
• Strong presentation skills in meetings with the ability to adapt for different audiences;
• Strong analytical, research and writing skills with demonstrated ability to think strategically;
• Strong capacity to communicate clearly and quickly;
• Strong inter-personal, negotiation and liaison skills.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Master’s degree in economics, management, development studies and other similar areas
• Certification in Evaluation is desirable;

Experience:

• Proven 10 years’ experience in managing or/and evaluating development programs/projects, especially with UNDP;
• Knowledge and demonstrable experience in the field of capacity development for policy formulation, including with UNDP is an asset;
• Knowledge and demonstrated experience on decentralization, participatory and inclusive local development planning process and experience in local economic development strategies or program.
• Technical knowledge and experience in UNDP thematic areas, specifically in strategic planning, formulation of public policies; development of private sector; aid coordination; cross-cutting issues such as gender, capacity development; and rights-based approaches to programming is an asset;
• Proven knowledge of Guinea-Bissau general country context and public service sector is strongly desirable;
• Excellent writing, research and analysis, as well in presentation skills;
• Experience in the use of computers and office software packages as well as web-based management systems
• Good knowledge on RBM.

Language:

• Proficient spoken and written of French or English;
• Proficiency in Portuguese, at least spoken, constitutes a strong advantage.

Guidelines for application:

Financial Proposal* - specifying a daily rate in USD and, if applicable, a lump sum for round-trip travel costs to join duty station/repatriation travel.

Please note that the financial proposal is all-inclusive and shall take into account various expenses incurred by the consultant/contractor during the contract period (e.g. rent of dwelling, fee, health insurance, vaccination, visa costs and any other relevant expenses related to the performance of services...). All envisaged costs (except of the unforeseen travel costs for missions, if any) must be included in the financial proposal. Unforeseen travel costs for missions, if any, will be paid separately according to UNDP rules and regulations.

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please make sure you have provided all requested materials;

Qualified women and members of minorities are encouraged to apply.

Due to large number of applications we receive, we are able to inform only the shortlisted candidates about the outcome or status of the selection process.

UN is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Additional Questions: (Three more questions are allowed other than the two mandatory questions below)

Explain why you think you are the most suitable candidate for this work? (Mandatory);

Please provide your consultancy daily fee in USD (Mandatory).

Evaluation

Individual consultants will be evaluated based on the following methodologies:

Cumulative analysis

When using this weighted scoring method, the award of the contract should be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:

responsive/compliant/acceptable, and

Having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation.

Technical Criteria weight; [70%]

Financial Criteria weight; [30%]

Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 70 point would be considered for the Financial Evaluation

Evaluation criteria:

• Education background - 10 points;
• Experience as defined in the ToR - 20 points;
• Competences as defined in the ToR - 10 points;
• Understating of the ToR - 15 points;
• Methodology and overall approach - 25 points;
• Overall quality of the proposal (comprehensiveness, structure, language and clarity) - 20 points.

Additional Questions: (Three more questions are allowed other than the two mandatory questions below)

• Explain why you think you are the most suitable candidate for this work? (Mandatory)
• Please provide your consultancy daily fee in USD (Mandatory)
• Online screeners: (Name/Email Address)

ANNEX 1- INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANT GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS is provided here:

Timeframe:

The consultant is expected to perform the following tasks:

The contract will come in to effect on 22 October and end on 29 November 2019, including.

The consultant will work for a period of 28 working days.

Tasks Dates

Desk Review  23 October 2019

Briefing of evaluators 25 October 2019

Finalizing the evaluation design and methods and preparing the detailed inception report 27 October 2019

In-country data collection and analysis (visits to the field, interviews, questionnaires) 30 October 2019

Preparing the draft report 06 November 2019

Stakeholder meeting and review of the draft report (quality assurance) 11 – 13 November 2019

Incorporating comments and finalizing the evaluation report 14 – 15, 18-19 November 2019